Sweet and Sour Sauce on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Create a versatile and delicious Sweet and Sour Sauce on your Arteflame Grill, perfect for grilling chicken, pork, or vegetables. This sauce combines the tang of vinegar with the sweetness of sugar and the richness of fruit for a balanced flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple juice (pineapple slices/chunks optional)
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients. Dissolve the cornstarch in water to create a slurry. Set aside.
2. Fire Up the Grill: Preheat your Arteflame grill, ensuring the center grate is at a high temperature for searing. Place a cast iron skillet or saucepan directly on the flat top cooktop to heat up.
3. Optional Step: Grill the pineapple slices on the flat top cooktop before adding them to the sauce for extra flavor.
4. Combine the Ingredients: In the heated skillet, combine pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to simmer, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to simmer and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Final Adjustments: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar; for more tang, add a bit more vinegar.
7. Serve or Store: Use the sauce immediately for grilling or allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips

• Grilling Pineapple: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling some pineapple slices on the Arteflame Grill before juicing them for the sauce.
• Monitor the Sauce: Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Sour Sauce is a perfect addition to your grilling repertoire. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors enhances the taste of grilled meats and vegetables, making your dishes even more delightful.

Variations

1. Spicy Sweet and Sour Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Ginger Sweet and Sour Sauce: Grate fresh ginger into the sauce for an added zing.
3. Tropical Sweet and Sour Sauce: Substitute mango juice for pineapple juice and add chopped mango for a tropical twist.
4. Honey Sweet and Sour Sauce: Replace brown sugar with honey for a richer, deeper sweetness.
5. Herb Sweet and Sour Sauce: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an aromatic finish.

Best Pairings

• Drink: A refreshing iced tea or a light white wine such as Riesling.
• Appetizer: Grilled shrimp skewers with a light seasoning.
• Dessert: Pineapple upside-down cake to complement the pineapple in the sauce.